The Ukrainian United Armed Forces command just lately unveiled a {photograph} that includes a distinctive selfmade artillery system. What makes this mannequin distinctive is the repurposing of previous Soviet KS-19 anti-aircraft weapons, impressively mounted on a MAN KAT 1 464 LKW 8×8 truck.
It’s price noting that this isn’t Ukraine’s first foray into creating such uncommon combos. Again in August of the earlier yr, the web was handled to pictures of two custom-made artillery methods. These examples have been marked by the ingenious integration of the venerable KS-19 anti-aircraft gun and a Tatra 815 VPR29 truck with an unarmored cab. These ingenious autos are the handiwork of the 241st Unbiased Territorial Protection Brigade.
The present occasion showcases one more innovation utilizing a pre-owned truck chassis. Nevertheless, this time, it’s a German MAN KAT 1 464 LKW 8×8. Undoubtedly, it has been transferred to the Ukrainians from an unspecified ally [Germany may be the donor, though this is yet to be confirmed]. An improve in its design is obvious, because it’s outfitted with a well-camouflaged, Soviet-era anti-aircraft gun, the KS-19. This gun notably serves as standard artillery in Ukrainian utilization. Nevertheless, a dilemma revolves across the sourcing of ammunition for the KS-19, which probably must be obtained from numerous corners of the globe.
About KS-19
Originating from the B-34 naval weapon, the KS-19 is a powerful 100 mm anti-aircraft gun conceived by the Soviets. It required the coordination of as much as 15 troopers, who often hitched a experience on a tug or ammunition wagon to succeed in their vacation spot.
When operated by a expert crew, this explicit piece might ship a powerful 15 rounds per minute. Boasting a noteworthy caliber, the KS-19 might seamlessly convert right into a customary artillery piece. When serving on this capability, its attain prolonged to an estimated 21 km — akin to 122 mm artillery methods deploying rocket-propelled munitions.
Nevertheless, this vary decreases to 12.7-15 km when the KS-19 fires vertically. Notably, it could possibly additionally discharge potent anti-tank rounds, able to breaching 185 mm thick RHA armor from a kilometer away. The KS-19 grew to become a customary within the array of the Soviet Army in 1947 and first proved its mettle through the Korean Struggle.
MAN Class 1
The revered MAN Class 1 sequence loved the distinct honor of being the popular alternative for each department of the Bundeswehr. Along with customary options, these army fashions boasted a host of spectacular enhancements. These included a utterly remoted blackout gentle circuit, a meticulously calibrated army instrument bundle with a blackout various, and a fast emergency cease change for an prompt electrical energy cut-off. Moreover, they featured an overhead hatch, outfitted with a machine gun, and devoted spots for rifle storage.
One characteristic that every one fashions from the Class 1 sequence shared with their successors was their modular setup. They have been distinguished by their strong box-section chassis body, which assured torsional rigidity. As well as, they have been fitted with sturdy hub-reduction axles and used coil springs along with shock absorbers for optimum efficiency.
For those who have been to look underneath the overarching forward-control cab, you’d discover the engine neatly tucked inside. A easy firewall effortlessly segregates the motive force’s space from the engine compartment. Curiously, the engine is situated within the rear a part of the motive force’s compartment, a departure from the standard under-the-driver positioning. This good design characteristic permits the overall peak to remain beneath the two.9 m mark. Consequently, these vans can simply match onto customary railway flatcars for handy transportation.
Non-compulsory modular armor is feasible
The distinctive, trimmed corners of the usual, cube-like driver’s cabin adhere to railway loading pointers. Initially, because of its basis on amphibious prototypes, the cabin’s entrance didn’t tilt for upkeep. The forward-tilt characteristic solely got here into existence within the mid-80s.
Each axle is powered by the KHD air-cooled diesel engine. This works along side a torque converter and a semi-automatic transmission system, making a unified element throughout the car.
With the arrival of the succeeding A1 sequence, there was a substantial enhance within the utilization of normal truck elements produced by mass manufacturing. Autos designated for extraterritorial missions by the Bundeswehr have been generally outfitted with module-based armor [also known as modular Schutzausstattung, or MSA], additional enhancing the protection measures for the crew.
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